Westford Police Chief Tom McEnaney informed me late Tuesday afternoon that someone anonymously provided our high school Resource Officer with a social media picture of one of our custodians in possession of a handgun while off duty. The police department investigated ownership of the weapon. Upon interviewing the custodian, detectives found a loaded handgun in the trunk of the custodian's car on school grounds. This is a serious violation of the law and school safety. The employee was arrested and will be immediately dismissed from his position.

For many years, we have devoted considerable time and effort to school security and the safety of our students and staff. This is an egregious breach of public trust, school safety, and the work that our school system and public safety officials have done to keep our students and staff safe. I am sending this to you tonight because I want you to hear this news directly from me and not hear about it in the media. Please know that we will always remain committed to the safety of our students and staff!

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